Hereafter by Jody Hedlund marks the conclusion of The Lost Princesses series and it is action-packed young adult fiction for all ages!
about the book
Hereafter by Jody Hedlund
The third lost princess. The final key to the treasure. And a battle for the throne.
Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.
Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.
Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away.
As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?
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my thoughts
I am giving The Lost Princesses series a big bookish standing ovation! This series goes out with a bang and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion! The third novel delivers more nonstop action yet the levels of romantic attraction are significantly higher due to the nature of this marriage of convenience story! Deliciously swoony, this sweet romance is a slow burn and tastefully done!
(if you’re not interested in my mom-thoughts on this story, skip the next two paragraphs)
As a mom reading the stories with my daughter, I appreciate the occasion to reopen the subject of attraction, appropriate relationship boundaries, timing, etc., so keep that in mind if you’re considering this title for younger teenagers. Every family has different comfort levels in the romance department.
Personally, I am okay with my fourteen-year-old reading this book but this is probably the most intimate I’m comfortable with for her right now. She’s more of a fantasy reader with an occasional rom-com sprinkled in so she gleefully cackled at all the awkward moments and blushes. Watching her read is quite entertaining.
Innocence, chivalry, and life lessons are woven throughout the story of Hereafter. Just as in real life, the right choice isn’t always easy to discern and characters find that moving forth when the way is clearly treacherous often takes more courage than they (or we) possess. Messages of faith and character are foundational to this story yet it is compassion and grace which conquer all!
I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages! It’s an excellent selection to read along with a daughter or granddaughter or younger sister or mentoree! Jody Hedlund clearly understands what readers (young and young at heart) truly enjoy in a story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
about the author
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters.
She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen and adult-aged children.
When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
Visit her website!
The Lost Princesses series
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